The DeraMandawa Story

The past is where we begin

Ours is a story deeply entrenched in the history of Rajasthan. The princely state or 'Thikana' of Mandawa was established in the mid 18th century. The estate has since remained, grown and evolved under the watchful eyes of the same family.

Thakur Durga Singhji, the current custodian of DeraMandawa, is a proud inheritor of that very special legacy. A true connoisseur of Rajasthan's art, history and culture, he has designed each room at our hotels himself. An observer of our religions, flavours, flora-fauna and folkart, he is known to keep our guests engrossed with riveting facts and untold tales. In fact, many of them count a conversation with him amongst their keenest experiences at Rajasthan.

His wife Shrimati/Thakurani Usha Kumari matches his passion for keeping the family traditions alive. She is the one who ensures every meal we serve is authentic and true to age-old recipes. No wonder, the Rajasthani dishes we serve are another flavour of our hotels that our guests always love.

We preserve for the future

The family at Dera Mandawa are modern traditionalists. We actively seek the use of technology and methods to support the principles of traditional living combined with new-age comforts. Our ancient properties come armed with eco-friendly technology and contemporary amenities. From solar plant for hot water, rainwater harvesting and bio gas plant for cooking, which is fed by Indian Tharparker breed cows that live in our backyard. We are extremely environment conscious and pride ourselves in building a sustainable future.

Hospitality is in our nature

Rajasthan is known for its unique hospitality traditions. We call it 'Manvaar', which stands for overindulging a guest to the point of giving them what they seek even before they ask! We at DeraMandawa have had the same culture ingrained in us for generations.

Here the family welcomes you personally, into their home to live our legacy, surrounded in the luxury of old-fashioned service.

When you choose to stay at Dera Mandawa, you choose much more than a heritage property. You choose a very real, very personal experience. Our hotels are our homes. Here you get to meet and interact with the family. And get a real taste of a traditional Rajasthani household.

Experiences we have lived and loved

We believe your stay at Rajasthan would be incomplete without getting a close glimpse at our way of life. That is why we have become curators of experiences that come from memories of our childhood, and from the stories our elders have passed on to us.

From gourmet cooking demonstrations, kite flying, traditional board games, folk performances to camel excursions in the semi-deserts, we have created a long list of memories you would love to make.